In the upcoming Artemis II mission, a crew of four astronauts will undertake a lunar expedition to evaluate NASA’s principal capacities for deep space exploration, including the first crewed use of the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft. Image credit: NASA
Technicians at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans have successfully mounted the first out of four RS-25 engines onto the core stage of the Space Launch System rocket. This engine installation is a crucial milestone for NASA’s inaugural Artemis mission involving human astronauts. During this mission, NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, Christina Koch, along with Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency, will circumnavigate the Moon aboard the Orion spacecraft. The mission will last approximately 10 days and is a preparatory step for future lunar explorations.
Specialists from Aerojet Rocketdyne and Boeing, collaborating at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility, have affixed the inaugural RS-25 engine to the core stage designated for the Space Launch System. The engine, identified as E2059, is positioned in the upper left corner at the base of the core stage, which measures 212 feet in height. The core stage is observed in a horizontal orientation within the facility’s final assembly area.
Following the engine’s installation on September 11, the core stage has also been integrated with all of its five major structural components earlier in the year. NASA, Aerojet Rocketdyne—the leading contractor for the RS-25 engines—and Boeing, the main contractor for the core stage, are in the process of incorporating the remaining three engines and installing essential propulsion and electrical systems within the stage’s framework.
On March 21, 2023, NASA successfully conducted a hot fire test lasting 10 minutes for an RS-25 certification engine. The test surpassed the needed power thresholds and duration for Space Launch System missions, thereby confirming the engine’s safety and efficacy.
All four RS-25 engines are situated at the base of the core stage in the engine section. This section not only safeguards the engines from extreme thermal conditions during the launch but also features an aerodynamic tail fairing to streamline airflow. The quartet of engines will be continuously active for over eight minutes during the flight, drawing propellant from two substantial tanks on the core stage at a rate of 1,500 gallons (5,678 liters) per second.
The Space Launch System’s core stage, standing at 212 feet, is essential for the ambitious deep-space missions that NASA aims to accomplish. It comprises liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen tanks that can hold up to 733,000 gallons of propellant, sufficient to power the four RS-25 engines required for takeoff and subsequent voyages, possibly as far as Mars.
Each of the RS-25 engines mounted on the core stage possesses a unique serial number. The engine labeled E2059 was installed in the second position on the stage on September 11, whereas the engine in the first position, E2047, has seen previous use in space shuttle missions. E2047 is notably the most experienced engine in the set for the Artemis II mission, with 15 prior shuttle missions under its belt. The other engines, E2062 and E2063, are newly manufactured but incorporate parts that have flown before.
Artemis II represents both the world’s most potent rocket system and the first crewed mission in NASA’s Artemis program. The RS-25 engines have been specifically modified to support NASA’s new lunar objectives, delivering over 2 million pounds of thrust during the ascent phase.
Under the Artemis program, NASA is committed to landing the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon. The Space Launch System plays a foundational role in NASA’s deep space exploration strategies, operating in synergy with the Orion spacecraft and the Gateway station in lunar orbit. It remains the sole rocket system capable of transporting the Orion spacecraft, astronauts, and necessary supplies to the Moon in one mission.
Table of Contents
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) about Artemis II mission
What is the main focus of the Artemis II mission?
The primary objective of the Artemis II mission is to evaluate NASA’s core capabilities for human deep space exploration. This will be the first crewed mission involving the Space Launch System (SLS) rocket and the Orion spacecraft. Four astronauts will circumnavigate the Moon during an approximately 10-day mission to prepare for future lunar expeditions.
Who are the astronauts selected for the Artemis II mission?
NASA astronauts Reid Wiseman, Victor Glover, and Christina Koch, along with Jeremy Hansen from the Canadian Space Agency, have been selected for the Artemis II mission.
Where was the first RS-25 engine installed?
The first RS-25 engine was installed at NASA’s Michoud Assembly Facility in New Orleans onto the core stage of the Space Launch System rocket.
What are the RS-25 engines used for?
The RS-25 engines are used to power the core stage of NASA’s Space Launch System rocket. These engines are crucial for lifting the rocket and providing sufficient thrust for deep space missions.
What happened on March 21, 2023?
On March 21, 2023, NASA successfully conducted a 10-minute hot fire test of an RS-25 certification engine. The test exceeded the required power levels and duration, thereby confirming the engine’s safety and performance capabilities.
How many RS-25 engines will the SLS rocket have?
The SLS rocket’s core stage will be powered by four RS-25 engines. These engines will be continuously active for over eight minutes during the flight.
What is the capacity of the SLS rocket’s propellant tanks?
The Space Launch System’s core stage includes liquid hydrogen and liquid oxygen tanks that can hold up to 733,000 gallons of propellant.
What are NASA’s broader goals under the Artemis program?
Under the Artemis program, NASA aims to land the first woman and the first person of color on the Moon. The Space Launch System, Orion spacecraft, and the Gateway station in lunar orbit are integral parts of NASA’s deep space exploration strategies.
Is the Artemis II mission the first flight of the Space Launch System?
No, Artemis II is the second flight of NASA’s Space Launch System (SLS) and is notable for being the first crewed mission in the Artemis program.
What modifications have been made to the RS-25 engines for the Artemis II mission?
The RS-25 engines have been specifically upgraded to meet the demands of NASA’s new lunar missions. They are capable of delivering more than 2 million pounds of thrust during the ascent phase.
More about Artemis II mission
- NASA’s Artemis Program Overview
- Space Launch System (SLS) Details
- Orion Spacecraft Information
- Michoud Assembly Facility
- Aerojet Rocketdyne RS-25 Engines
- Boeing and Space Launch System
- Canadian Space Agency and Artemis II
- NASA’s Hot Fire Test for RS-25 Engine
- Gateway Lunar Station
- Artemis II Mission Objectives
8 comments
The tech involved is mindblowing! Four engines that can gulp 1,500 gallons per second? Thats gotta be some rocket!
Reid Wiseman and Victor Glover are solid choices for the crew. Been following their careers for a while. Looking forward to their mission updates.
It’s intriguing how far we’ve come since the Apollo missions. Makes me wonder what else we’ll achieve in the next few decades.
Finally, a move towards diversity in space missions. First woman and first person of color to the Moon under Artemis. It’s about time, NASA!
Wow, I can’t believe we’re finally getting to the crewed Artemis missions. This feels like a massive step forward for humanity’s reach into deep space!
Aerojet Rocketdyne, Boeing, L3 Harris Technologies… All big names involved. This is clearly a significant investment in our future in space.
Did you guys notice that some of the engines like E2047 have been used before? kind of like recycling in space, huh?
733,000 gallons of propellant for one mission? While the tech is cool, i hope they’re thinking bout sustainability too.